NUJ calls on Newsquest to ‘come clean’ over Mail move to Kendal

“We do not believe management is being straightforward and open with staff and that job losses are potentially involved here. The loss of reporting staff to be based an hour’s drive away in another town with an entirely different culture would be astonishing, even for Newsquest, and be severely damaging to The Mail’s hard-won reputation and credibility in a tight-knit community like Barrow.

“The impact on staff would be devastating and cause massive disruption. The plan as it stands threatens jobs and therefore Newsquest must now properly consult with the NUJ as the recognised trade union as is its legal duty. 

“We want to fully engage over these proposals but can only do so if we know the full extent of the plan for the Barrow operation. So Newsquest must come clean and be honest about the future there.

“We need to be told when a new site in Barrow will be operating, when The Mail will be plugged in to Newsquest software and IT, and how many and which staff will be based there.

“Our fear is that it will merely be a satellite office to maintain a token presence in the town. I would be delighted to be proved wrong.”